Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
You can wrap beautifully and still be kind to the planet. The two biggest wins are simple: choose paper that can actually be recycled, and pick reusable finishing touches. Here is how to tell the difference and build a greener wrap that still looks the part.
Choose paper that can be recycled
Not all wrapping paper is recyclable. The scrunch test is the quick check: scrunch a piece in your hand, and if it stays scrunched it is likely plain paper that can go in the recycling. If it springs back it usually has a plastic or foil layer and belongs in general waste.
- Yes: plain kraft and uncoated paper, most tissue paper, paper gift bags.
- No: glittery, foiled, metallic or plastic-coated papers.
- Remove first: sticky tape, plastic ribbon and bows before recycling, as they contaminate the batch.
Reuse and reduce
- Reusable bags. A sturdy gift bag with rope handles can be used many times, so the cost and the waste per gift drops with every outing.
- Fabric ribbon over plastic. A cloth ribbon or a length of twine can be untied and kept, unlike single-use plastic bows.
- Skip the sticky tape. Tie parcels closed with ribbon or paper tape so the whole thing recycles cleanly.
- Save and reuse. Smooth, uncreased paper and tissue easily do a second job. Fold it and keep it for next time.
Frequently asked questions
Is tissue paper recyclable?
Most plain tissue paper is recyclable, though the fibres are short so it cannot be recycled many times. Better still, keep uncreased sheets and reuse them.
Are paper gift bags better than plastic wrap?
Generally yes, because a good paper bag gets reused several times and then recycles. The greenest option of all is the bag you already own, used again.
Shop paper gift bags, plain tissue paper and wrap you can recycle.
More in the Gift bags & wrapping guide